April 22, 2011

Summertime...

One of the blogs in my favorite quilt blogs list is Sew We Quilt @ Stash Manicure. She recently introduced her readers to Rebecca Barker. (Click here to see her post.-but don't go read it yet.) These are just two of the paintings that Rebecca creates. She's also a quilter, but this lady really can paint, too! This is the link to her website, where you can purchase her designs as notecards or prints. (Oh, and Madame Samm is having a giveaway for some of Rebecca's cards at the end of her post at Sew We Quilt!) Can you imagine having one of her gorgeous pieces hanging in your studio or a room in your home?

These two paintings of Rebecca's really got my attention. I'd been thinking about making my next quilt a red/white/blue, patriotic-themed quilt, but these two cards completely derailed that idea. I've decided, instead, to make my next quilt a Summertime quilt!
I've selected fabrics that are the colors of grass and fresh summertime fruits - a combination of strawberries and watermelons. The pattern I'm going to sew is going to be similar to the one on Rebecca's strawberry card, but not exact.
You can see that I haven't chosen the fabric like the golden color in the photo yet, but I have time. After all, I'm going to have to "do the math" to design my quilt, too. Or, I might just decide to keep that half of the block white.
I'm starting by cutting 2" strips, the width of the fabric. I arranged them by alternating light and dark fabrics and have already begun to sew each row of strips together. I'm taking notes as I do this so that I can keep track of supplies and measurements as I go.

I admit it will be a bit of "trial and error", but I'm hoping to keep the "errors" to a minimum. You know what they say..."Measure twice, cut once". I'm not going to copy Rebecca's exact design, but I do love the way her art makes me think of warm summer days and sweet summer fruit, and I'm going to do my best to duplicate that feeling. I know that my blocks will be larger than hers, so I'll be interested to see how that affects the overall look and feel.

I saw on Rebecca's site that she has published books with quilt patterns in them. After I finish this one, I may purchase one of her books to be able to make some of her other fabulous designs without having to do my own math.

I hope you'll join me as I prepare for summer picnics and s'mores by the campfire with this new piece. I'll keep sharing my Summertime quilt project with you until I've got it finished. Don't you just love starting something new?

20 comments:

  1. Donna,

    Your quilt is going to be beautiful! Can't wait to see your next post about it.

    Happy Easter to everyone at your house from the corgi girls and me!

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  2. I Love your choice of fabric and yes I do love starting something new and sometimes what I was working on gets pushed aside :)
    I am in a mug rug swap in my group so will start on that while Billy is gone...He is leaving on Monday before daybreak to head for AL to bring back our things we had to leave behind in Storage. I will miss him and worry about him making the trip by himself so I will be doing some extra praying. He is driving down and will use a tow bar to haul our car back up here.
    I just put a new post in my blog...check it out when you get time.
    Have a great weekend :)

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  3. Oooooo, yummalicious!! Reminds me of sitting on the back yard picnic bench, spitting watermelon seeds with my siblings, juice running down our arms. Summer fun, indeed!

    Thanks for the links...I'm off to explore!

    Happy Easter to you & Mr. Handsome & the poochies, too! (no chocolate for them, though...you'll have to eat it all!)

    Bunny Hugs,
    Rett

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  5. Oh I can't wait to see the strawberry quilt. Do you ever sleep? I'm thinking you surely must sew, quilt, and sing 24/7!! LOL. You are such an inspiration.

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  6. Hi Donna,
    This looks like it will be beautiful! The fabrics are great.

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  7. That's going to be a beautiful quilt. Have fun working on it!

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  8. Looks like another beautiful quilt! Of course, now I am hungry for strawberries, watermelon and all things summery!

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  9. Ohh my Donna...I really can see it...your color choices and blends of the prettiest colors is awe-spiring... Your card choice is certainly my fav of all she has done...and I too have been leaning towards something in these hues...
    I will certainly be following you on your Summertime journey...thank you for including Sew WE quilt and Rebecca...

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  10. I love starting things - my favourite! (and sometimes I think finishing is highly over-rated).
    I think a summer quilt is a fabulous idea - I've made a picnic quilt or two but never used fun summer colours and now i'm inspired!
    Have fun Donna, and Happy Easter!

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  11. Your fabric colors are gorgeous! Can't wait to see your progress on that one.

    Peggy H.
    www.neverenoughstash.blogspot.com

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  12. I am truly looking forward to seeing this creation finished. My colors, such beuatiful fabrics, Donna.

    Have a beautiful Easter ~
    TTFN ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

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  13. Yummy fabrics, Donna. Makes me think of watermelon. I look forward to following the progress of this summer quilt project. I truly admire your energy!

    Happy Easter! ~ Sarah

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  14. Just looking at these fabrics I can taste the sweetness of the fresh watermelon and strawberries. What a fun quilt for picnics. Inspiration is everywhere if we merely open our eyes to it. Rebecca's art is the perfect example. Happy quilting...

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  15. Your quilt is going to be wonderful.I love your fabrics.

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  16. Talk about inspiration! How beautiful! I know you will do a wonderful job with your quilt! Theresa

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  17. ALways love the colorways you choose for your projects!

    Have a blessed Easter!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  18. This is going to be so pretty! I can't wait! My favorite parts of quilt making, picking fabrics and putting on the binding. :)
    xx, shell

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  19. O.M.G.!! I am seriously sitting here with my mouth hanging open. This screams summertime. I am over the top with the fabrics you have selected and your inspiration. WOW.

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  20. Oh My Donna, I LOVE these fabrics!!! You are remarkably talented and I LOVE Watching your projects come together AND you describing them!!! What an absolute "YUMMY ONE" this is!!!
    Happy Easter to you and Hubby and your delightful Fuzzballs...
    Hugs,
    Donna

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna